This is my latest roundup of local news and Coronavirus updates for Hunslet and Riverside residents. There are several links to more detailed information from the Government, the Council and others within the post. In this update you will find:
Cases, Mortality and Infection Rates
Outbreak Management Update
Self-Employed Income Support Scheme
Ofsted Inspections
Covid-19 Vaccination Trails
Places of Worship Singing
Community Venue Guidance Update
Self-isolating Employment Rights Guidance Update
Clinically Vulnerable Young People Guidance Update
Quarantine Countries List
Leeds Clean Air Zone
Kirkgate Market Pop-up Bike Hub
Children and Young People Mental Health Support
Mental Health Support for Adults
GP Practices are Still Open
Keeping Patients and Staff Safe
Councillor Newsletter
Lady Pit Lane Dropped Kerbs
Upcoming Community Events
Live Q&A Events
Previous updates can be found here: Local News Summary
Cases, Mortality and Infection Rate: In Leeds, as of 17:00 on 19/8/20 Covid-19 cases within Leeds were 4,184. The Leeds 7 day average infection rate is 19.4 per 100,000 on the 20/8/20, and the positivity rate is 2.3% (meaning that 2.3% of tests undertaken are returning a positive Covid-19 result). Of the 658 covid-19 related deaths registered so far:
645 (98%) were Leeds residents
361 (55%) were in hospitals
262 (40%) were in care homes
12 (2%) in a hospice
23 (3%) in their own home.
Outbreak Management Update: Across Leeds, there are currently no outbreaks in care homes. The following information is related to all of Leeds as an overview and is not specific to Hunslet and Riversidev ward. Since last week:
An outbreak has been identified at a nursery involving four positive cases. Two bubbles have been disbanded and infection control measures are in place.
Two other nurseries continue to receive support following one positive case in each, as reported last week.
Three separate positive cases were reported following A-Level results collection at one secondary school.
Environmental Health continue to support two workplace outbreaks and four other affected workplaces.
A considerable amount of work continues in Kirkstall and Harehills and the surrounding area in response to the clusters of cases. Incident management arrangements are in place and the most recent meeting confirms that the situation is stable in both areas, and improving in Kirkstall. There has been some increase in cases in the broader LS8 area, which may be a reflection of increased testing. The level of activity taking place reflects what would be required if Leeds was on the watch list, with testing at approximately 1,000 per day. The pop up test site at Bilal Centre in LS8 was attended by 98 people last week.
There are several different routes to accessing a test and these can be found through the national portal https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/ or by calling 119.
The Leeds local sites are:
Temple Green, Pontefract Lane, Leeds, LS9 0PS
Bridge Street Community Church, Rider Street, Leeds, LS9 7BQ.
In addition the Council are deploying mobile testing units as much as we are able to in Kirkstall Leisure centre, Fearnville Leisure Centre and Pudsey Civic Centre.
Self-Employed Income Support Scheme: A second round of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme has opened for applications, with grants up to £6,570 available. HMRC will contact eligible individuals with an invitation to apply before the scheme closes on 19 October 2020.
Ofsted Inspections: Ofsted will begin visits to local authorities and children’s social care providers from September 2020. Visits will not result in a graded judgement, but the findings will be published, setting out what is going well and what needs to improve.
Covid-19 Vaccination Trails: 100,000 people have signed up to take part in Covid-19 vaccine trials, as the Government encourages more people to register.
Places of Worship Singing: Places of worship guidance has been updated to reflect that small groups of singers can now perform in front of worshippers, and wind and brass instruments can now be played.
Community Venue Guidance Update: Guidance for multi-use community venues has been updated to reflect that indoor performances and small wedding receptions can now take place.
Self-isolating Employment Rights Guidance Update: Guidance has been published on employment rights for those self-isolating on return to the UK.
Clinically Vulnerable Young People Guidance Update: Guidance for clinically vulnerable young people has been updated to reflect that they are no longer required to shield.
Quarantine Countries List: Travel corridors are constantly changing, so please encourage people to use this link to get the latest information
Leeds Clean Air Zone: The future of the Leeds Clean Air Zone is under review with central government due to pollution levels falling significantly during the coronavirus pandemic, meaning that the Government may no longer financially support the introduction of a charging CAZ. While it is of course good news that our streets are now much cleaner and safer, it is disappointing news after all of the time and resources spent preparing. Regardless of the final decision on the CAZ, we must continue to build on all of the environmental benefits delivered so far and continue to reduce emissions across the city.
Kirkgate Market Pop-up Bike Hub: A new pop-up bike hub has opened at Kirkgate Market, providing secure bike storage for shoppers and commuters, staffed between 7.30am and 6pm. It costs £10 to become a bike hub member, with unlimited cycle parking until 2 October. Non-members can pay £1 a day to park, or access free parking for two hours if shopping in Kirkgate Market. There are also some bikes available to hire for free from the hub, as part of the Leeds Bike Library offer.
Children and Young People Mental Health Support: NHS Leeds know recent issues around exam results, as well as wider concerns young people have been expressing due to coronavirus and the lockdown, has resulted in people experiencing an impact on their emotional wellbeing. We’re keen to continue to remind children and young people in the city that support is available to them should they need it. We have issued this press release which has been covered by the Yorkshire Evening Post and Capital FM and they’d would like your support in sharing this message on Twitter and Facebook.
Mental Health Support for Adults: NHS Leeds are equally aware adults are also finding it difficult to come to terms with the ‘new normal’ for a number of reasons. Similarly they issued reminders that people can access support including through the 24 Mental Health Helpline. A press release has been issued this week and they’d welcome your support in sharing this message on Twitter and Facebook.
GP Practices are Still Open: NHS Leeds have had feedback from some communities who have incorrectly assumed their local GP practices are closed or were closed during the height of the pandemic. They want to reassure and remind people GP practices continue to see people but the way they provide appointments has changed. This means all initial appointments are done over telephone/video call and face-to-face appointments are offered where needed. They also have films translated to 12 languages explaining changes to GP appointments which they’d welcome your support in sharing. On this web-page you’ll also find an easy read leaflet reminding people that the NHS is still working.
Keeping Patients and Staff Safe: Anyone receiving healthcare in the city will be seen in a safe, low risk environment. By following these simple steps, the NHS in Leeds can continue to ensure their patients and our staff safe as we continue to reopen and restore services. They also continue to remind people that hand-washing is one of the most effective ways of reducing the transmission of viruses including COVID-19.
Councillor Newsletter: This is being delivered across the ward now, but you can read it online here.
Lady Pit Lane Dropped Kerbs: To improve local accessibility following resident complaints, officers have proposed new dropped kerbs.
Upcoming Community Events:
3 September: Hemingway Planters Planting
5 September: Friends of Hunslet Moor Litter Pick
If you have a community event you'd like me to share, please let me know. The events must be non-party political and for the whole community. I'll also offer to host the Facebook event page if your group does not have its own Facebook Page etc. to do so.
Live Q&A Events: Past event can be re-watched here. The next event(s) are below:
28 August: Ask Paul